May Garden Visit

On 14 May, 16 members enjoyed a private tour of the garden at Sandhill Farm, a 17C, Grade 2 listed farmhouse. The compact 1 acre has multiple areas, each with a theme including woodland trees, ferns, grasses, Red & Rose borders, linked by a series of path surfaces and  architectural features. The rear garden enjoys a splendid view across the West Sussex countryside. Following the April talk, we were able to see for ourselves the range and combinations of leaf and flower size, shape, texture and colour. Rosemary and her gardener explained the challenges of gardening on sandy soil (from which the house takes its name) and talked knowledgeably about the different plants, including dates of acquisition, source of supply and the ground conditions required. 

The next visit will be to the Sussex Prairie Garden on 4 September. Full details nearer the date.

Summer Show 12 July 2025

The Summer Show Schedules and Entry forms will be distributed to members shortly. Children in Hawkley and Empshott can enter the show, even if their parents, guardians or other family are not members. Entry for children is free.

This year the children’s classes include collage, sculpture, potted sunflowers and photography classes:

• Collage using plant material

• Under 7s on the theme  Where the Wild Things Are
• 7-11 on the theme Hooray for Summer Holidays

• Sculpture 7-11s using vegetables and/or fruit

• Sunflowers Under 12s - grown from one sunflower seed distributed by the Empshott and Hawkley Gardeners’ Club

• Photography for Under 18s

• A farm animal(s)
• A garden flower

A Junior Trophy - The Maggie Johnson Cup - will be awarded to the individual gaining the most points in the Under 12 Classes. Children may also enter any of the other classes in the Schedule, free of charge.

Copies of the Entry Form and Show Schedule, giving details of all classes and how to enter, can be obtained from the Chair, Sue Atkins, (07772186605) or Secretary Isy Large (email [email protected])